Deallocate

The Deallocate method releases all allocated memory and nullifies pointers in a FEDOF_ object, returning it to an uninitialized state. This method is essential for proper memory management to prevent memory leaks.

Interface

INTERFACE
  MODULE SUBROUTINE DEALLOCATE (obj)
    CLASS(FEDOF_), INTENT(INOUT) :: obj
  END SUBROUTINE DEALLOCATE
END INTERFACE

Parameters

• obj - The FEDOF_ object to be deallocated

Notes

• This method checks if arrays are allocated before attempting to deallocate them, preventing potential runtime errors.
• For each associated finite element pointer, it calls the DEALLOCATE method of the finite element object before nullifying the pointer.
• The method does not deallocate the mesh itself, as the FEDOF_ object only maintains a pointer to the mesh, which might be used elsewhere.
• After calling this method, the FEDOF_ object is reset to its default state and can be reused for a new initialization.

Example Usage

TYPE(FEDOF_) :: dof

! After using dof...
CALL dof%DEALLOCATE()

! Now dof can be reused or safely go out of scope

Important Considerations

• This method should be called when the FEDOF_ object is no longer needed to prevent memory leaks.
• It's particularly important to call this method before reinitializing an existing FEDOF_ object to avoid memory leaks.
• The method only deallocates resources directly owned by the FEDOF_ object; it does not deallocate the mesh or other external resources that might be referenced by pointers.